Fun things that take me deeper into my habits of reading and personal growth.
Over the years I have found that pausing to celebrate milestones and books completed in my personal curriculum has kept me going. It is the little things that encourage me to move forward into the habits that keep me learning and growing.
It started when I was a young mom with a goal of daily exercise. In the midst of babies and toddlers I was working on moving up my step count to 10,000 steps each day. After my first one month streak of meeting my daily goal, instead of celebrating with ice cream and a lazy day, I bought myself high quality running shoes. I hadn’t done that since I was on my high school cross country team and it gave me an unexpected momentum and emotional boost. I felt supported and moved further into my walking habit and exercise goals.
The idea came from Gretchen Rubin. I was reading her book: Better Than Before and the concept of helpful rewards all clicked into place.
“We often choose perverse rewards. A friend told me, ‘After I’ve lost these ten pounds, I’m going to reward myself with a big piece of chocolate cake’.
The one kind of reward that does work? A reward that takes you deeper into the habit. Doing lots of yoga? Splurge on a new yoga mat. Bringing lunch to work every day? Buy that expensive set of great knives.
One company had a smart policy: any employee who exercised at least 75 times in one year in the company gym was rewarded with…the next year’s gym membership free. The reward for exercise was more exercise.”
— Gretchen Rubin: Check out this article
So, back to my reading and personal curriculum life…
I have also applied this idea of small rewards to my reading and learning life. Over the years I have created a collection of book-ish things that I love.
Finding items that support my personal growth and pull me deeper into my reading habit has brought me so much joy. I think of it as spoiling myself like I would a good friend who needs a small gift of encouragement.
“Here is this little thing I saw and thought of you, just because.”
Obviously purchases are made only within my budget. When I find just the perfect thing at a Thrift Store or on sale, I keep it tucked away in a closet until I have earned it. It’s like my own personal treasure box of rewards to choose from.
Adult life can be monotonous, boring, full of challenges, uninteresting, and sometimes heartbreaking. Working through my personal curriculum and rewarding myself for progress is usually a bright spot in a difficult week.
I have learned over the years to care for myself in different ways just as I care for those in my household and many others in my volunteer work.
I hope this encourages you to do the same for yourself. And that this list can even be inspiration for gifts for your book club or book-ish friends too. 📖
30 Book-ish Things That I Love:
In no specific order. (actually #22 is my new favorite!)
I’ve included links where I can.
- thumb page holder – I recently found one like this at Barnes and Noble and instantly wished I’d had it earlier this year while reading the Empyrean Series.
- my favorite highlighters – Mr. Pen highlighters are tucked all over the place in my house. I love them. They don’t smear, have a variety of colors, and are not too dark on the page. (even on my thin Bible pages)
- fun bookmarks – my favorite are vintage postcards from thrift shops
- tabs for notating – I love aesthetic ones that are earthy tones or deep blues.
- post-its for added notes and make excellent bookmarks that don’t fall out
- pencil cases – for office supplies, stickers, or snacks
- book light – this became and essential item while reading in the car during Kyle’s evening Karate classes. (this one has different light temps)
- seasonal tea tins – sadly coffee and I are no longer friends, but I really enjoy tea, I like picking up specialty tins and trying new flavors. 🍵
- mugs for warm drinks – I’ve had to create a one-in/one-out policy because my mug storage is very full, but I am still always on the hunt for a new favorite. ☕
- glass straw cups for cold drinks – these make me strangely happy for unknown reasons. Maybe its because I’ve spent too many years drinking from plastic cups?
- coasters to set your drinks on – my favorite are checkered fabric that match my thrifted farmhouse vibes
- chocolate, candy, and reading snacks – these are obvious essentials 😉
- couch arm table things – I don’t have one of these yet, but I’m adding it to my Wish List. (the technical term is: Sofa Arm Rest Tray Table, like this one)
- personal library stamps – I got a library embossing stamp as a gift and I have a custom rubber stamp and sometime on a future rainy afternoon I will stamp all my books with them. 📖
- bookish stickers – my favorite are the collections of stickers on Etsy or at small business markets, but I’ve also found some on Sheen and loved these Rongrong Bookworm Planner Stickers.
- fun bookends – on my Wish List and I keep an eye out in Thrift Stores
- throw blankets – a soft fleece blanket is a must for evening reading, especially if cats or dogs want to snuggle! 🐈
- candles – I love smells that are related to the current season and are more food based. (fall: apples & cinnamon / winter: sugar cookies)
- glass jars full of long matches – this just romanticizes my routine of lighting a candle and it makes me smile
- nice reading lamp – good lighting next to your favorite couch spot is essential
- framed art – old fashioned bookish art makes me happy
- reading log books & planners – this is my most recent purchase and I am excited to start using it! I got a hardcover reading planner from The.Book.Sisters on TikTok. I also like = My Reading Life: A Book Journal by Anne Bogel, creator of the Modern Mrs. Darcy.
- journals & notebooks – confession: I have a small stack of these that I have found randomly in stores waiting for a special use.
- nice pens or mechanical pencils – maybe it is the teacher side of me but I am obsessed with newly sharpened Ticonderoga pencils. ✏️ That crisp smell gets me every time!
- a good playlist – right now my favorites are “lo-fi coffee shop” and “classical Bridgeton soundtracks”.
- baskets – for collections or new reads
- headphones or earbuds – for audiobook listening or just simply creating a visual boundary for those around you that you are not available. 🎧
- lap desk – for writing commonplace notes on the couch or the less fun option of working on writing tasks on my laptop
- deep bookshelves that fit your vibe – these are my favorite for my farmhouse
- Harry Potter candles to hang in my kitchen for the fall, because why not?
Buying book-ish items isn’t the only way that I celebrate.
I also sprinkle in other forms of marking progress and adding to my learning life. Momentum doesn’t come from pushing harder. It comes from being supported and seen.
Just one or two of these each season keeps me going (especially when I include others who are encouraging).
Other Ways to Celebrate:
Time in Nature
- Outdoor adventures, hikes, walks, picnics, stargazing
- Moments of quiet reflection on a walk.
Fun Activities
- Creative play: art, music, crafting, or DIY projects
- Games, mini outings, or experiences that spark joy
Healthy Treats & Self-Care
- Snacks, drinks, or meals that refresh and energize
- Mini self-care rituals: bath, candle, tea ritual, or favorite music
Social & Connection Rewards
- Sharing achievements with friends or a learning group
- Coffee dates, celebratory calls, or small get-togethers
Micro-Adventures
- Day trips, exploring a new café, or visiting a museum
- Trying something completely new to spark curiosity
Momentum doesn’t come from pushing harder.
It comes from being supported, encouraged, and seen.
I hope that something here sparked new ideas for supporting your reading and learning. It was a little scary to go full-book-nerd on this post! 🤓
But alas, I must show up to my writing as my authentic self and so you might as well know how seriously I invest in my reading life.
If you can think of anything to add to the list please comment so that we can all benefit from your ideas! Book nerds unite!! 📚📑
I highly recommend taking some time this week to do something small to support your learning and encourage you to go deeper into your personal growth habits.
You are worth it and what you are working towards matters!
Stop for a moment and enjoy how far you have come.
🎉Happy Celebrating!
If you are looking for more personal curriculum inspiration I am excited to share that I am working on a 5 session class!
It is full of helpful ideas and practical steps to make your journey easier. Available soon!! 🌟
For now, check out these posts:
- Sweater Weather Mornings: Small Changes to Embrace a Calm & Productive Day
- Creativity, Burnout, & Seasons of Writing